Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2620. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he has taken to introduce a BER style water conservation rating for buildings in line with the recommendations of the Special Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32599/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2622. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he has taken to fund and promote water conservation systems in line with the recommendations of the Special Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32601/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2620 and 2622 together.
The provisions of the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services have now been largely legislated for, as required, in the Water Services Act 2017. Promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water is central to my Department’s water policy. I recently published the Water Services Policy Statement which sets out the range of policy objectives across the key thematic areas of quality, conservation and future proofing that will be pursued between now and 2025.
Reflecting the provisions contained in the Water Services Act 2017 and, in line with the recommendations of the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, Irish Water plans to invest around €500 million over the period up to 2021 to reduce leakage. A range of interventions are being implemented, including pressure-management activities, active leakage-control measures including continuing the “First Fix Free” scheme, water-mains renewals and continued customer-side savings. These interventions are targeting savings of around 61 million m3 per annum against the 2017 baseline.
Domestic water use above a threshold level will be subject to a charge, and the threshold will be set at 1.7 times the CRU’s estimated rate of demand per dwelling. Customers that use water above this level will be charged for the excess portion of use. This will ensure that pricing mechanisms incentivise efficient use in the domestic sector.
The Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services recommended a proactive approach to promoting awareness of water conservation, and Irish Water places a strong emphasis on this important area. A dedicated section on the Irish Water website provides information in relation to water conservation at www.water.ie/bewatersmart. The content includes suggested lifestyle changes to save water and information on how to check for water leaks in the home. Information is also available on water saving devices outside of the home, including rainwater butts and rainwater reuse for the farming sector.
Irish Water’s website also has a facility where members of the public can report leaks in public areas. Based on the information provided, Irish Water will follow up to confirm a leak on the public mains and complete a repair.
Irish Water supports a number of environmental education campaigns which raise awareness, promote understanding and encourage people to take action on water conservation issues. This includes the Green Schools Programme, which has delivered savings of 360 million litres of water in schools in one year alone. Irish Water has also engaged with primary and secondary schools as part of Engineers Ireland’s Engineers Week, to increase knowledge and awareness of water conservation and its benefits to the environment.
Irish Water is currently undertaking a research study to provide an in-depth understanding of household water usage. The insights will help guide the roll out of product and behavioural interventions to improve water conservation in Ireland. Key findings show that, in general, people agree with the need to value and conserve water. These research findings are now under review to provide recommendations for behavioural change and water saving devices inside the home.
An Fóram Uisce has a statutory role in relation to water conservation under the Water Services Acts and will independently consider the recommendations in respect of water conservation made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, including those relating to building standards, with a view to identifying what practical steps should be taken towards implementation.
